James "Jim" Richard Farley, Jr.

James R. (Jim), Farley, Jr. departed this life for the open arms of our Heavenly Father, surrounded by family on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This followed a long and arduous 4+ year battle with cancer. Through it all, he never complained, though he suffered immensely. Rather, he focused as best he could on his family and friends. He always placed others ahead of himself; a truly selfless individual. He demonstrated compassion and caring for others and saw the good in everyone he interacted with, be them family, friends, co-workers, and even strangers. He was also clearly a leader that lead by positive example; modeling honesty, integrity, sincerity, and social and spiritual goodness, which is his eternal legacy.

Jim was born on September 8, 1962 to James R. Sr. and Barbara J. at Hahn Air Force Base Hospital, Germany. His father was in the army, and his early life was spent moving between multiple locations in Germany, Maryland, New York, and New Jersey before graduating high school in 1980 in Ft. Knox, Kentucky. At an early age, Jim had a love for dancing, and at three would stomp and dance around the room whenever a good song came on. A passion he would never lose. Jim completed his first year of college in 1981 at the University of Rochester, New York before transferring to the University of Texas, El Paso (UTEP) where his family had moved. Jim was a smart, hard working young man who showed interest in mechanics. While studying at UTEP, Jim juggled his school work, a part time job, and his first project car, a 1974 Subaru. In his free time, he was always working on his car and enjoyed the rewards of hard work and making an effort. While at UTEP, Jim met his future wife and soulmate, Toni Yates while both majoring in Computer Science. He graduated with a BS, Computer Science in 1984 and shortly after, Toni and he got married and enjoyed 39 years of devotion to each other. They have been blessed with three wonderful children, Michelle, Dec. ‘88, Brandi, Jun. ’93, and Nico, Aug. ‘96. Jim doted on his kids and when they showed interest in sports, he was there to be their coach whether it was bowling (his idea), tee ball, softball, basketball, or the real family legacy, soccer. Jim's’ love of coaching and guiding kids continued beyond his own children, where he was able to share his many qualities with hundreds of families. It should be reiterated that one of Jim's most obvious traits was his absolute dedication and focus on home and family. This also translated into his personal relationships with friends, co-workers, and team members. Another one of his best qualities was his humor. On top of his incredible work ethic, Jim was always able to find humor and knew when and where not to take life too seriously. His light knew no bounds and he will be sorely missed by many.

He is survived by his loving wife, Toni, his three children; Michelle, Brandi and Nico, father James R. Sr., step mother Linda, brothers; Mark, Steve (Karen), Chris, step sister, Tricia Lesky (Matt), brother-in-law Dobie Yates, sister-in-law Tammy Henson, nieces; Sammi Kraffert (Nick), Kassi Martinez (Tyler), and Jennifer Henson, and nephews; Isaiah Yates and Zach Henson (Meredith).

A Celebration of Jim's life will be held at East Side Church of Christ on June 15, 2024 at 11:00AM.